Im not sure if I put this in the right place as my question is somewhat specific to ADFs...

I have a 5.5 gal tank that im intending to use just for ADFs. I have been trying to cycle it for 3 weeks now. I lowered the water level so the filter can oxygenate the water. The temp is at a steady 86F. The ammonia is somewhere between 4ppm and 8ppm. Im using the api freshwater test kit. After 3 weeks in, there are no nitrates or nitrites. I shook the nitrate bottle as hard as humanly possible but it didn't change my results. I tried seachem stability for 5 days, no changes so far. Does anyone have any advice? I have no friends with established tanks so no luck there. I want frogs so bad but I cant put them in til the tank is established. Also, I am doing a fishless cycle to be on the safe side.